Chapter 52. Come Because You Want To

Diana waited until early afternoon in Lisbon before calling him.

She had slept badly and spent the morning trying to decide which sentence would make the conversation painless. When it was finally late enough to call without waking him, she gave up trying and pressed his name.

“Diana,” he said.

He sounded tired too.

“Is it a good time?”

“Yes.”

Diana sat beside the window. “Helena approved the extra leave. Eva can cover the urgent calls, and I've sent the handover. Iris confirmed the hotel.”

“You're staying.”

“Until Wednesday. I haven't changed the flight yet.”

“Do you want to?”

“Yes.”

She waited, her fingers tight around the phone.

Gabriel drew a breath.

“Then I'm glad the arrangements worked.”

“You don't have to sound pleased if you're not.”

“I'm pleased you can do the interview. I'm sorry I made those two things seem incompatible.”

Diana looked do